Every city has artists. But every once in a while, an artist comes along who becomes more than a performer—they become a connector.

For years, Lake City Fresh has quietly built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected songwriters, collaborators, and creative minds. Starting in Erie, Pennsylvania, he developed a name for himself by creating catchy hooks, memorable R&B records, and club anthems that left a lasting mark on the city’s music scene.

As his career evolved, Lake City Fresh shifted from simply making music to helping other artists grow. Whether through songwriting, collaborations, or creating opportunities, he became known as someone dedicated to pushing talent forward.

After relocating to Pittsburgh, he quickly immersed himself in the city’s music culture. Projects like The William Penn Project and later The Willi Pendrix Project showcased not only his creativity but also his ability to bring artists together. Featuring a wide range of Pittsburgh talent, the projects helped strengthen connections throughout the local music community while building his own brand as a respected creator.

His partnership with E. Cruse eventually led to the formation of The Other Guyz, resulting in multiple collaborative projects and a growing fan base. Along the way, Lake City Fresh balanced music with fatherhood, taking time to focus on raising his daughter while continuing to develop new sounds and future releases.

Today, he remains committed to creating authentic music while helping elevate others around him. With new projects in the works, many believe Lake City Fresh is preparing for another chapter in a career that has already impacted two Pennsylvania cities.

I caught up with Lake City Fresh to discuss his journey, Pittsburgh’s music scene, songwriting, collaborations, fatherhood, and what’s next.

 

For those who may not know your story, who is Lake City Fresh?

Lake City Fresh is a singer, songwriter, father, entertainer, podcaster, a man of many hats. Raised in Erie Pa where musical opportunities are very slim, it made us want it more. So, we did all that we could every day of the week try and break the national barrier by pushing the limits on the east side of Erie Pa. My experience in Erie made a lot of these songs mean more cause of the constant hurdles you go through on a daily basis. I remember my first time hearing New Edition, Jagged Edge, Gap Band, Blackstreet, man I could go on for days. Just being submerged in music at a young age basically molded me in what I am today.

 

Early in your career, you became known for writing catchy hooks and R&B records. Did songwriting always come naturally to you?

Yes, the catchy hooks and writing tended to be easy for me. I don’t know I have the ability to make things simple but catchy at the same time. And the writing itself started around 10 years old. I wrote my first full song. Ever since then it’s been non-stop.

 

Looking back, what project from your Erie days are you most proud of and why?

Presque Isle boii was definitely my favorite project. It was grind making that project but once it was released it everyone gravitated to it like crazy. I sold about 1000 copies out of the trunk of my car lol. The old school way of moving units lol.

 

At one point, you shifted from focusing solely on yourself to helping other artists. What inspired that change?

I shifted focus to another artist because I noticed the void in my city. We a lot of trappers and street music but they neglected the club and the girls. So, I was already stamped in my city so most of the upcoming artist would listen to me telling to make songs for the club, the women and your hood. That made projects sound more cohesive and covered every listener. So, it was always love when I helped them create those types of songs.

 

How important is it for artists to support each other in smaller music markets like Erie and Pittsburgh?

Smaller market city definitely needs to support each other because working as a unit will make getting noticed easier. It’s a numbers game, being divided doesn’t help us open the right doors. So, if we push as one then them doors will fall down easy.

 

What made you decide to move to Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh was always like a second home to me, I went to IUP with a lot of the guys that are making the moves here. So, I got real family and lifelong friends here in the city. I also feel like Pittsburgh is in verge of flooding the music world with a new wave. This city has been getting a few unique opportunities lately and it’s creating more motion for us all.

 

How would you compare Pittsburgh’s music scene to Erie’s music scene?

Pittsburgh music scene is bigger than Erie’s scene but they both are very similar. Both very creative and unique styles that would them stand out in the industry because both cities talk different, create in a unique way and have the heart take the industry on.

 

Tell me about The William Penn Project. What was the vision behind it?

The William Penn project was the first of my “pen” series installments. Basically, catering to my ability to write. So, the vision was to make R&B music that would catchy and club ready for Pittsburgh.

 

The Willi Pendrix Project featured some of Pittsburgh’s most talented artists. How did that project come together?

Pendrix was fun! That one happened very organically because I was moving around city just locking in with all the solid artist who was on fire at the time. So, all the sessions were legendary for real. Every song has its own energy and vibe to it, not to mention some timeless samples!

 

What was it like working with so many different personalities and creative styles on one project?

It was fun working with different personalities, they all brought different vibes, but they were focused on the task at hand. Seeing everyone’s way of thinking was crazy lol.

 

You’ve built strong relationships throughout the city. What do you think helped you earn the respect of so many artists?

I think I earned respect so fast because i was always authentic, I showed up to every session by myself, never tried to join anyone’s team or gang, I was there to create. And once they heard what I was capable of, the love was genuine from them all.

 

Your friendship with E. Cruse led to the creation of The Other Guyz. How did that partnership begin?

Me and E. Cruse got cool through some mutual friends. We were at twelve on the southside when he watched a video of mines and was like we got to work. I sent him a few songs to write verses to, and we been locked in ever since.

 

What makes your chemistry with E. Cruse work so well?

I think our chemistry got crazy when was dropping a lot of those car freestyles on Instagram. We had a different segment for everyday of the week. Talk Heavy Tuesday, WCW and Food Fridays. We would take beats and just create from scratch, and things would go viral all the time lol.

 

OG1 and OG2 received strong support. What can fans expect from OG3?

Wowww well we definitely appreciate the love for OG1 and OG2 but, the third one will be a little more personal. It’s been a lot of experiences since the last one. So, we got some shit to say lmao.

 

You’ve worked in R&B, hip-hop, and club music. Which genre do you enjoy creating the most?

I definitely love the R&B genre the most for sure. The harmonies and singing about experiences dope.

 

How has the music industry changed since you first started?

The industry has changed a lot since I began. It seems to be a push of more popular artists instead of the talented artist. More gimmicky music than the music that gave you that feeling back in the day. I know everything evolves but I want that old thing back lol. Also streaming and internet presence is much much more vital to your career.

 

Do you think social media has helped or hurt independent artists?

Social media definitely helped the independent artist for sure. Hands down allow them to be seen more than it would back in the day.

 

What is the biggest mistake you see young artists making today?

The biggest mistake to me is signing these contracts that they haven’t inspected the right way. Setting them up for failure long term. Big bags upfront and always a good thing. That’s front money you have to pay back, and you’ve given up a considerate amount of publishing.

 

Fatherhood changed your life. How did becoming a dad impact your music and priorities?

Fatherhood was a crazy adjustment! I would say the main thing is time management. You have to be present for all their needs but, also have to make time for your dreams and goals. It also changed some of my content as well, your kids will search you up once there a certain age, so you got to clean it up some.

 

You mentioned creating a new sound. How would you describe the evolution of Lake City Fresh today compared to 10 years ago?

The evolution has definitely been a great one. I think back then my concepts were a lot more complex, I think of the years I learned to simplify but perform the words with a lot more emphasis. My beat selection has changed tremendously as well.

 

What’s one thing people misunderstand about being an independent artist?

One common misunderstanding about independence is that you will earn 100% of your profit. At some point even as an independent artist you have to get some type of deal to distribute your music the right way.

 

If you could collaborate with any artist from Pittsburgh, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I would definitely want to collab with Travis Malloy he’s a writer/producer from here doing big things. And of course, Jimmy Wopo would be crazy too. A more R&B hip hop collab for the girls would be crazy with Wopo.

 

What’s the biggest challenge facing Pittsburgh artists trying to break through nationally?

I think unity! The city is big enough to get pushed nationally we’ve seen it done. But everyone as a team would make that happen a lot faster.

 

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a R&B project featuring some the more active artist currently in Pittsburgh. Working on songs now and the title as well.

 

When can fans expect new music?

New music will be available in July for sure. With visuals as well. I did just drop a single called “Catch Feelings” featuring Juice Jones and Traphouse Yicc my dawgs. Catchy club banger too!!

 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your music?

I hope to leave at least two hit records behind. One hit that I wrote and one hit I performed myself. That legacy would be legendary for my daughter.

 

Any final message for your supporters and the Pittsburgh music community?

Final message- keep pushing and always be yourself! I got another wave about to flood everywhere and new energy to create the vibe needed for the city.